Everyone loves a good underdog story; to see a newcomer make it to the top amidst more experienced competition is proof that anyone can make it big with enough dedication and passion. That may very well be why indie games endear players so much. Despite the odds of making it big in the video game industry, small-time developers manage to create something that matches (or even outshines) the expectations set by AAA titles.
10 Best Indie Games of the Last Decade
This last decade was great for indie titles. Here are the best we've played.
Though most only see a modest amount of success, some popular indie games have etched their way into video game history by becoming must-have titles in any player's library.
Updated December 30, 2024, by Ashely Claudino: The world of indie gaming grows every year. Fans continue to gravitate towards this genre and explore what has started to feel like indie-classics. Despite not being around for as long as many of the entries listed below, Balatro has definitely secured its place on this list by being nominated for Game of the Year in 2024. On top of that, we've also added Rust, an online survival with servers that are periodically wiped out.
30 Lethal Company
Hunt Down Scrap While Running Away From Monsters
Lethal Company
Cooperative multiplayer horror games have become all the rage in the gaming community. Titles like Lethal Company show just how engaging these video games can be when the execution is sublime.
Players must scavenge for scrap in hostile alien worlds, while avoiding everything from extraterrestrial death traps to unknown monsters. The sheer chaos and hilarity that ensues when players hear one of their teammates screaming for their lives is entertaining every single time.
29 Palworld
The "Pokemon With Guns" Moniker Helped This Game Sell
Palworld
- Released
- January 19, 2024
- Developer(s)
- Pocket Pair, Inc.
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X
- Genre(s)
- Open-World, Shooter, Survival
Some people have rightfully criticized Palworld for emulating Pokemon's monster designs to a fault. However, there's a lot of original work put into this game as well. It helps that the survival gameplay coupled with shooting elements make for a novel experience.
The game has gone on to sell millions of copies, and many people have found this title to be an escape from the mediocrity of the Pokemon series. Only time will tell if Palworld will maintain this level of relevance, but there's no denying that this game is one of the biggest indie titles of 2024.
28 Rust
A Unique, Never-Ending Survival Game
Rust
- Released
- February 8, 2018
- Developer(s)
- Facepunch Studios
- Genre(s)
- Survival
When playing a survival game, players usually get to a point where they have the most powerful weapons and can take down just about anything without having to fear seeing a Game Over screen. Well, that is not the case in Rust - ever.
This online survival game resets every week, biweekly, or monthly, so players can set up the best base ever but they will have to accept that it will eventually be destroyed - if not by other players, then it'll be the server itself. On top of this, the game happens in real-time as well, so if the player goes to sleep, they might return to a dead character or a destroyed base. Therefore, in Rust, gamers can lose everything they worked for within a second.
27 Crypt of the NecroDancer
A Roguelike That Will Make Your Heart Skip a Beat
Crypt of the NecroDancer
There are tons of roguelike indie games, but Crypt of the NecroDancer is not only due to its adorable graphics but also due to its unique rhythm mechanic. Even though the rhythm feature can be turned off by selecting Bard as a character, it's crucial to understanding the game.
The original Crypt of the NecroDancer was such great fun that the developers, Brace Yourself Games, teamed up with Nintendo to deliver Cadence of Hyrule, a unique spin-off Zelda game.
26 Inside
Playdead's Last Game Made A Huge, Lasting Impression
Inside
It's a shame that Playdead's founders have split up since they are responsible for creating two of the greatest indie platformers ever made. Limbo was their first breakout hit, and this trend of excellence was continued with the release of Inside.
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Fans of Mario who are looking for a new platforming experience are sure to enjoy what these impressive indie titles have to offer.
This game is an atmospheric romp through a mysterious world that is rife with dangers. Players assume that they're just controlling a lone boy and protecting him from the horrors of the world, only for certain revelations later on revealing the truth of what really happened.
25 Braid
This Early Indie Hit Offers Time-Bending Puzzles and an Engaging Narrative
Braid
Braid is cited as one of the games that kickstarted the indie game revolution. The game's unique time manipulation mechanics, ingenious puzzles, unique art style, and thought-provoking narrative captured the attention of gamers worldwide.
The best part of Braid was its ingenious plot twist at the end, questioning the role of gamers always being a hero in their respective titles. Even now, after all these years, Braid is still one of the most important indie video games of all time that has aged like a fine wine.
24 Limbo
An Atmospheric, Monochromatic Platformer
Limbo
Limbo, developed by Playdead, quickly became a critical and commercial success upon its release. It's a shame that the co-founders of the company ended up parting ways after some creative differences since it was clear that their collaborations had spawned some of the greatest video games ever made.
The game's haunting, monochromatic art style, combined with its atmospheric sound design and clever puzzle mechanics, created an unforgettable gaming experience. Limbo was a game that didn't shy away from showing just how brutal it could really be, and fans still theorize about the title's story to this day.
23 Super Meat Boy
Everyone Loved Bashing Their Heads Against A Wall
Super Meat Boy
Super Meat Boy is a challenging platformer that has become a beloved indie classic. The game's precise controls, difficult platforming sections, and charming art style have made it a favorite among gamers.
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Open-world games are often associated with triple-A blockbusters, but these indie games prove that the genre isn't impenetrable to indie developers.
For how cute the game looked, it was quite hilarious to see the main character be ground into a pulp or chopped to bits over and over again whenever players failed to accomplish a particularly hard platforming challenge. Players who want to test their platforming skills will be more than happy with what Super Meat Boy has to offer.
22 Unpacking
Unpack Items and Decorate a Home in This Cozy Puzzle Game
Unpacking
Releasing in 2021, indie gem Unpacking toogamesgames' industry by surprise, thanks to its insurgence of popularity on social media platforms like TikTok and Twitter. Unpacking was instantly a commercial success, becoming one of the best-selling indie games of all time by selling 100k units in its first ten days across all platforms.
Witch Beam's dream is a zen puzzle game where players essentially unpack a life as they undergo the familiar process of taking possessions out of boxes and fitting them into a new home. Players experience a sense of intimacy with a character they never met and a story never told.
21 SteamWorld Dig
An Ever Expanding Universe of Gaming
SteamWorld Dig
The SteamWorld universe started in 2013 with the release of SteamWorld Dig for the 3DS. As the years went by, it eventually made it way to other gaming platforms, and it can now be played on any computer or console.
Gamers fell in love with the world of SteamWorld, and it was so well-received among the gaming community that not only did it lead to a sequel but also several other spin-off games, such as SteamWorld Heist and SteamWorld Build. It will certainly be interesting to see just how much SteamWorld can continue to grow.